SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

The Senior Accountant is responsible for the day-to-day management of the hotel's accounting function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and full compliance with statutory obligations in Tanzania. The role oversees revenue and cost accounting across all hotel departments (rooms, food & beverage, banqueting, and other ancillary revenue centres), supports budgeting and forecasting, and safeguards the property's assets and cash flow. The Senior Accountant works closely with the Finance Manager, Property Managers, and, where applicable, MD, to deliver reliable financial information that supports sound business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) 
• Maintain the general ledger, ensure timely month-end and year-end closing, and post accurate journal entries with supporting schedules.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts monthly, including bank accounts, debtors, creditors, and inter-company balances.
• Prepare management reports and variance analysis (actual vs. budget/forecast) for the Finance Manager

2. Revenue & Cost Control

• Oversee daily income audit  verifying room revenue, F&B revenue, and other departmental revenue against the Property Management System (PMS) and POS records.
• Monitor cost of sales for F&B and other operating departments, working with the Cost Controller/Store to track wastage, portion control, and stock variances.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions, local purchase orders, and supplier invoices in line with approved budgets and procurement policy.
• Conduct periodic stock takes (F&B, general stores, operating equipment) and investigate variances.

3. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Coordinate preparation of the annual operating budget and capital expenditure budget in collaboration with property managers.
• Prepare rolling forecasts and flag deviations from budget with recommended corrective action.

4. Payroll, Statutory & Tax Compliance

• Oversee payroll processing and ensure accurate computation of PAYE, NSSF, WCF, and SDL in line with TRA and NSSF requirements.
• Ensure timely filing and remittance of all statutory returns (VAT, PAYE, withholding tax, skills and development levy, tourism levy/other local levies as applicable) to avoid penalties.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Employment and Labour Relations Act (ELRA, Cap. 366 R.E. 2023) and related amendments as they affect payroll and staff cost accounting.
• Liaise with external auditors, TRA officers, and other regulatory bodies during audits, inspections, and assessments.

5. Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, and appraise accounts department staff, ensuring adequate segregation of duties and succession coverage.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, integrity, and accountability within the finance team.

Qualification & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification — CPA (T), ACCA, or equivalent  required or in advanced stages.
• Minimum 4–6 years' progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a hotel, lodge, or hospitality environment preferred.
• Sound working knowledge of Tanzanian tax law, NSSF/WCF/SDL requirements, and the Employment and Labour Relations Act.
• Experience with hotel PMS/POS systems and accounting software (e.g., Tally, QuickBooks, Sage, or similar) is an advantage.
  

Skills & competencies

• Strong technical accounting skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; comfortable working with large data sets and reconciliations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with sound business and commercial judgement.
• High integrity and discretion in handling confidential financial information.
• Good communication skills, able to explain financial matters clearly to non-finance managers.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight reporting deadlines in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.